Multi-day Tracks from Rarakau Lodge
The Hump Ridge, South Coast and Teal Bay tracks all start at the Rarakau car park, right beside the lodge.
Three multi-day tracks start at the Rarakau car park, beside the lodge and about 17 km from Tuatapere. The Hump Ridge Track is a 61 km loop over three days and two nights. The South Coast Track runs about 61 km one way through the Waitutu Forest to Big River, four days in all. The Teal Bay Track is an advanced alpine crossing of about 23 km, 8 to 9 hours, over Hump Ridge to Lake Hauroko.
Stay the night before, leave your car with us, and come back to a hot shower and a real bed.
Compare the tracks
Hump Ridge figures are from the Department of Conservation. Times vary with your fitness, the weather and river levels.
| Track | Distance | Time | Grade | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hump Ridge Track | 61 km loop | 3 days, 2 nights | Moderate to high fitness | Okaka Lodge and Port Craig Lodge, booked through the track operator |
| South Coast Track | About 61 km one way | 4 days to Big River | Easier first day, then advanced | Port Craig School Hut, then huts at Wairaurahiri and Waitutu |
| Teal Bay Track | About 23 km one way | 8–9 hours | Advanced, experienced trampers only | Teal Bay Hut on Lake Hauroko |
The tracks
Hump Ridge Track
The closest lodge to the start and finish of the Hump Ridge Track.
3-day loop · nights at Okaka and Port Craig lodges
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South Coast Track
A rugged, quieter coastal tramp through remote Fiordland wilderness.
≈61 km one-way · 4 days to Big River
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Teal Bay Track
From Rarakau, down the South Coast Track and over Hump Ridge to Teal Bay Hut.
Advanced · ≈23 km, 8–9 hours one-way
Read MoreWhich track is for you
The Hump Ridge Track is a loop, so you finish back at your car. Day one is 20.6 km (7 to 9 hours) and climbs more than 900 m to Okaka Lodge on the tops. Day two is 20.7 km (7 to 9 hours) down to Port Craig, and day three is 20.2 km (5 to 7 hours) back along the coast to the lodge. Read our planning guide and packing list before you go.
The South Coast Track is quieter and wilder. The first day along the beach and the old logging tramway to Port Craig is the easiest, and many guests walk to Port Craig and back as a one-night trip. Beyond Port Craig it gets steadily more remote, and the final leg to Big River is a route rather than a formed track, for experienced trampers only. You can also walk two days and ride a jet boat out, back to Rarakau.
The Teal Bay Track is a serious alpine crossing, not a casual walk-in. It follows the beach to Track Burn, then climbs about 1,300 m through beech forest to the sub-alpine tops of Hump Ridge, marked with orange snow poles, and drops to Teal Bay Hut on Lake Hauroko. Good weather, fitness and navigation skills are essential.
Before and after your walk
Parking. Our car park is free for guests for the whole length of your walk, with 24-hour cameras and onsite security.
The night before. Sleep at the trailhead, get online on our Starlink WiFi, and start walking when you’re ready instead of meeting a van. Need a lift from Tuatapere? See transport.
Safety. Coverage is limited on all three tracks, even though the lodge has 5 bars. Carry an emergency locator beacon or satellite messenger, tell someone your plans, and check current track, hut and weather conditions with the Department of Conservation.
Shorter options
Not up for a multi-day tramp? Try one of our day walks from the lodge door, or see the backcountry huts along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Three: the Hump Ridge Track, the South Coast Track and the Teal Bay Track all start at the Rarakau car park, right beside the lodge, about 17 km from Tuatapere.
The Hump Ridge Track is a 61 km loop over three days and two nights. The South Coast Track is about 61 km one way, four days to Big River. The Teal Bay Track is about 23 km one way, 8 to 9 hours.
The first day of the South Coast Track, along the beach and old tramway to Port Craig, is the easiest, and many guests walk there and back as a one-night trip. The Hump Ridge Track needs a moderate to high level of fitness, and the Teal Bay Track is for experienced trampers only.
Yes. Our car park is free for guests for the entire length of your walk, with 24-hour cameras and onsite security.
On the Hump Ridge Track, Okaka Lodge and Port Craig Lodge are booked through the track operator. Port Craig School Hut is a serviced DOC hut and must be booked. Teal Bay Hut needs no booking and is paid with DOC hut tickets.